Being alone he couldn’t help but think of Katelyn. Maybe there was a way to open his mind up to her if he could sense other things around him. He had no idea what kind of limit there might be to such a thing. If he just could find out if she was all right it would be enough.
He relaxed his mind like he had the other night. Of course that had been a dream. He tried it anyway and felt his mind flow once again. Thinking of her and of Summerhall his focus drifted from the cold North and the snow covered fields. His mind flew over a body of water and mountains with white peaks to a plain of winter dried grass. An image came to him of a young woman with a serious expression on her pale, beautiful face. A dark cloak was held about her tightly. Her long hair glowed in the moonlight. So surprised was he by the clarity of the vision that he almost lost the connection.
He tried to speak to her with his thoughts, to will the words to her. If she heard she showed no reaction. He concentrated harder, putting all of his feelings of love behind it. The need to speak to her welled up within him. I love you. He thought. I am coming.
The effort was exhausting and he lost his concentration. The image of Katelyn faded away and was replaced by the starry sky. It was only his imagination. He sighed heavily, took a long, last look at the night, and went back inside.
Katelyn stood on the balcony looking out at the night. She should be in bed, but had awoken and was unable to go back to sleep. It was cold, unusually so for the Plain, so she held the cloak around her tightly.
A voice spoke and she jumped in surprise. Spinning around she saw no one. Listening hard she heard it again. It was impossible, but she thought it sounded like Coran.
Naras listened to the noise coming from the outer room. He leaned against the bars of the small square cell. It had only a narrow cot for sleeping and two metal buckets, one that held water for drinking, and the other for when he needed to relieve himself. Urik was in the next cell over, listening as well.
He heard something scrape on the wood floor and then a strangled shout. Silence reigned for a moment before the doorway was filled with an attractive form. Naras felt like grinning. The woman who entered from the outer room was beautiful. Her hair was long and a dark brown. Her body was thin, and full in all the right places. She glanced at the locked door to his cell and it burst inward. The same thing happened to Urik’s a second later. A Maji. Naras quickly restrained his leering thoughts. He was fairly sure of her name.
Without a word they left the prison as quickly as they could. They passed the corpse of the guard who had been on duty. Naras avoided glancing at the ruined body as he headed for the door and to freedom.
Once outside, Naras turned to his rescuer. “Now what?”
“Now we return to Elthzidor,” she said. “He has been wondering where you have gotten to.”
He could see the power in her eyes, and the cruelty. This was no woman he would want to cross. “Lead on Majin Selisk.”
Chapter 36
Final Preparations
Rubbing her forehead between two fingers and a thumb Katelyn set aside the report on the desk. The question of Voltia had been answered a while ago with the news of Cranus’ death. Him and half the army of Voltia. Torvilin was still preventing any crossing into Voltia from the north. Roland had assured her that his nation would be there even if they had to force their way across. It was more likely that Mance might lead his forces west to Lake Midia and then south. It would take a lot longer that way.
Grendin had settled down into a stalemate with the Northern lords, led by the Lord of Canby, allied against the south under the leadership of the younger Mattis Morleson. There would be no easy way to resolve the civil war even if she was in a position to try. Right now she didn’t have anyone to spare. Westland would have to leave some forces behind to keep the conflict from spreading across their northern border.
The Ithanians had built a mighty fleet that was holding position off the north coast of Kellbiring, opposite Arryvestra. A fleet made up of ships from the Plain, Westland, and Taragon was arrayed to try and prevent any invasion. They would be greatly outnumbered by the Ithanians. Luckily a small fleet had arrived from the North which would at least give her side a chance. The bad news was that they could not be sure that the Northmen would actually side with them. She had received no word from them of their intentions. The lack of word from the Northern kingdoms was something else that worried her. It was still a little early for news even if Coran had succeeded.
Elthzidor was driving west as fast as he could, according to reports. Fortunately, that was not very fast. It was estimated that he would reach the Douro River below Holburg any day now. King Aemon of Taragon sent word that he would slow their progress as much as he could and that he appreciated the advanced forces she sent to help in the endeavor. He also promised to offer his oath to her as High Queen at his earliest convenience.
The door opened, breaking her line of thought. She looked up in time to see Captain Loras enter. Oran had failed to turn up anything suspicious about him so far, so she had no reason to remove him from his post. She had some people watching him just to be sure.
The brown haired Captain stopped before the desk and bowed. “The guards are ready to depart,” he told her, straightening.
Letting her hand fall to the tabletop she looked him in the eye. “Good. I should only be a few days behind you. I just have a few more things to see too before I go.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I was also told to inform you that King Robert has arrived and wishes to present himself before the High Queen.”
That was another tradition dating from Soros. A monarch kneeled only to the High King, or Queen, and that was done once to acknowledge the person on the Sun throne. “He is waiting outside the throne room?” That was where it had taken place in the past.
“Yes.”
“Thank you, Captain.”
Loras bowed again as he departed.
She pushed the papers before her into one stack and left them for later as she stood and straightened the skirts of the yellow dress she wore. White lace decorated the cuffs of the long sleeves and around the neckline.
Opening the door she went into the hall, the two golden cloaked men by the doors readied themselves to follow. She had gone no more than a few steps when she was met by a hurried Alys in a pale pink dress.
“You heard?” the girl asked her.
“Just now.”
“Here.” They stopped for a second so Alys could place the crown she had been carrying on her head. “Perfect,” she commented, and they started walking again.
“Has Robert been waiting long?” she asked as they passed some officials who bowed deeply to the sight of her wearing the crown.
“No. They just arrived about twenty minutes ago.”
“They?” As far as she knew Rob had left this morning with the guards he had brought with him for Stockton.
“Several Lords are with him including a Lord Onatel who wishes to see you as well,” Alys explained.
“That will be fine,” she said remembering the man. “How are you doing? You have been rather quiet of late.”
“Fine,” Alys assured her quickly. “I am just worried about Devon. And Coran,” she added.
“So am I, but I am sure they are fine.”
“I know, but what if someone finds out where they are? If one of those things goes after them...” She shivered.
“They will be fine,” Katelyn said to reassure her friend as much as herself.
At a plain wooden door to one side of the hall they stopped. One of her escorts opened it before she could and peered inside before holding it for them. There was a short corridor beyond and then another door. The Knight repeated the process of checking for danger and they passed into the throne room. The large hall was empty except for Master Herrith who waited patiently near the dais.
The old man saw her and then the crown, he bowed as low as he could with his old bones. “Do you wish to see them now?” he asked upon straightening.
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“Yes, please.” She stepped up to the raised platform and sat down on the throne of Summerhall. Alys waited by the side door they had entered. The two Knights stood a respectful distance to each side of Katelyn, but close enough to react if it was needed. The memory of what had happened at her crowning was not forgotten. She checked to make sure her crown was on straight as the doors at the end of the hall were opened.
Robert Tenrell, King of Westland, walked purposefully across the polished stones. He wore mail under a shirt bearing the three stars of Westland. A long sword swung at his hip with each step. Behind him came another man that she recognized as well. Lord Onatel was also arrayed for battle.
Robert took the step up to the platform, then kneeled on his right knee, and put his left hand on his sword hilt. To have such a monarch kneel before her was strange, somehow unnatural. That she, a young woman, should be more important than such an experienced and wise ruler.
He bowed his head. “I give you my oath of loyalty, and recognize you, Katelyn Sundarrion, as the true heir to the High Throne and leader of the Alliance.” When finished he waited for her to acknowledge his words.
“Rise, King Robert. I accept your pledge of loyalty,” she said as regally as she could manage.
The King stood with a grin on his face. He moved back a step and to the side so that Onatel could take his place.
Onatel knelt as Robert had and gave his own oath of loyalty. It was not an oath of fealty for he had given that to his own King, but was more an oath to her as the head of all Midia.
“Rise, Lord Onatel.” She turned back to Robert. She spoke plainly now that the need for formality was gone. “Will you be here long?”
“My men will cross over to the east bank today and then rest tomorrow. The day after that we will depart for Stockton.”
“Then you will be able to join me for dinner tonight? Both of you?”
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Onatel replied gracefully. “I would be honored to dine with you.”
“I also accept,” Robert told her. He glanced to Onatel. “I would like to speak with the Queen now.”
Onatel took the hint. He bowed to Katelyn and departed the hall.
“Was there something?” she asked the King of Westland.
“I have heard that you are going to join the army at Stockton,” he asked her carefully. “Is this true?”
“It is. Do you disagree?”
“Not exactly. I am more concerned about the future of the Alliance. I mean no disrespect, but you are the only one who has the right to sit on the throne right now. Under the circumstances is it wise to risk yourself so?”
She understood what he was trying to say. She had no heir, and was not even married yet. It was an argument that she had had with Oran twice already. He tried to get Gelarus to side with him, but the wizard just listened to his argument and then shrugged, not commenting on it either way. “I understand your concern but I have made my decision on the subject. I will not send men out to die while I sit behind these walls in safety,” she explained forcefully. Martin had sided with Oran. It was the first time the man had questioned her decision on anything. She placated him by letting him think she would stay safely away from any of the actual fighting. It was not exactly a lie since that was roughly her plan, but once battle was joined she would do what had to be done.
Robert seemed to consider her words and the tone she said them with. “It is your decision, of course,” he agreed reluctantly. “I should see to my men if I am to be back in time for dinner. By your leave?”
She gave it and the monarch left the hall as purposefully as he had entered.
“Master Herrith?” she called to the bony man who stood by the doors that were closing behind the departing King. “Do you happen to know where my sister is right now?”
“I believe she is waiting in the council room.”
She stepped down. “Would you meet us there, and bring the announcement I wanted prepared,” she said, already leaving the throne room by the side exit.
Alys accompanied her, as well as her escort, to the council room. More bows along the way reminded her that she still wore the crown. With relief she took it off and handed it to her friend for safe keeping.
In the council room Margery sat alone at the large table. She looked up as they entered. “You were with Robert?”
Katelyn nodded. “Did you want to see me?”
Margery smiled. “I thought you would want to speak with me.”
Katelyn had to smile as well. Her sister always seemed to know things. “I will be leaving soon and I need you to take charge of the city.” She took the chair at the head of the table.
The blonde woman nodded. They had already discussed the possibility and made a few plans. Herrith entered and set a large paper on the table for her to see.
“Is it finished?”
“It is your Majesty,” Herrith told her.
“Are you sure this is wise?” her sister questioned. “Won’t it start a panic?”
“A panic will start if Ithanian ships are spotted on the Greenriver and we said nothing,” Katelyn responded. She had thought it out carefully and the only thing to do was to inform the people of what was happening.
“I did not say it was wrong. I was only asking,” Margery said a little defensively.
Katelyn realized that her words had come out impatiently. “Sorry,” she said sheepishly.
“It is okay,” her sister said and smiled to prove it. “I know you are busy, and worried.”
“I am. Maybe when I am gone it will get a little less stressful,” she said and sat back in the chair. “If the Ithanians get by our fleet they could land anywhere, and Summerhall will be poorly defended.”
“I know, but every indication is that they will strike at Arryvestra if anywhere.”
“I just don’t want you to be caught by surprise.”
“I will not.”
“Good,” Katelyn stated. “Oh, Robert and Lord Onatel will be joining us for dinner. You will be there?”
“Of course I will.”
“Do you want to go over the plan if we should fail to hold them at Stockton?”
“No. I know what to do,” Margery said as the mood turned instantly solemn.
“Then I will see you tonight,” Katelyn said, standing.
That night they gathered for dinner in the family room. It still felt awkward to eat there without her parents present. Her mother spent most of her time with her father. Not that she could do anything but it seemed to comfort her to be near. Katelyn was placed at the head of the table where her father always sat. Oran had joined them as well. Alys sat on her left. They were served a meal of roasted fowl especially prepared for their guest, Robert.
“I was sorry to hear that Coran is not in the city,” Onatel stated. “I was hoping to meet him again.”
“I am sure that he will be sorry to know that he missed you,” she replied diplomatically. “I asked him to take care of something for me.”
“Is it something to do with Grendin, or is he in Stockton?” Robert asked innocently. He was digging into the bird on his plate greedily.
“I would rather not say. It is a matter between the two of us,” she said and tried to look embarrassed. Hopefully, they would drop the subject, thinking it was personal. It worked.
“Is it true about Torvilin?” Onatel asked and lifted his wine glass to his lips. “Has he really betrayed the Alliance?”
“He has,” Katelyn replied with an anger that did not have to be feigned.
“Finally we will have an excuse to deal with them.” Robert said around a mouthful.
“Not completely,” Oran disagreed. “Cranus died attacking the invaders. How can we hold anyone but Torvilin responsible after such a sacrifice?”
“That is probably why he did it,” Robert said scornfully. He washed the food down with a generous swallow of his own wine. “I have no doubt that Cranus’ last thought was of how much his death would vex me.” His di
slike for Cranus sounded more personal than the typical disapproval of Voltia as a whole. She wondered what Cranus had done to him.
“Would you not make such a sacrifice for Westland?” she asked him pointedly. Cranus deserved some credit. He at least did what had to be done for his people first.
That quieted everyone for a time. They ate in silence for a while until the plates were taken away.
Oran tried to come up with a more pleasant topic. “Robert. Have you decided on a date for your son and our Margery here?”
The girl named blushed slightly. She did that a lot when Rob was involved.
“As soon as this business is done with,” Robert answered. “Then there will be no more delays. But I could ask the same of our Queen,” he said to Katelyn. “Have you set a date for the wedding?”
“Unfortunately, we have not had a chance to sit down and discuss it,” she replied. If it was up to her they would already be husband and wife.
Once again things became quiet. It felt like nothing was going to happen until ‘it was over’. Conversation was kept as light as possible for the rest of the meal. Perhaps dinner had not been such a good idea.
Two days later she watched the long column of dark figures wind its way over the hills on the east side of the river. From her vantage point at the top of the southeastern tower of the palace she watched for two hours as the forces led by Robert left Summerhall. Over ten thousand men marching towards an uncertain battle. As the last of the line of soldiers crested the hill and left her sight she turned away and took the steps down to the walls.
She had her two ever present escorts along as usual. While the one changed from person to person the other one was more often then not a certain Knight named Renly. He was somewhat tall with brown wavy hair and a strong chin on his twenty year old face. She thought he could be considered handsome. He was there so often that she finally had to ask him who he was. Apparently, he was originally from the city of Taragon. He was not nobly born , but the son of a highly respected, and sought after silversmith who had started his business from practically nothing. Eventually, well off, he could pay for his son’s training. When Renly completed his training he applied for a position in the Knights of Soros. It had been his dream for as long as he could remember.
Fire And Ice (Book 1) Page 56